can we overcome obstacles to diversity such as mistrust and tension, stereotyping, and communication problems in the workplace? Mistrust and tension usually result from lack of contact and lack of familiarity. These can be overcome, to a large degree, by bringing individuals together in both formal and informal settings so they learn to better understand and appreciate members of other groups. Formal training, de- signed to identify the causes of mistrust and tension, can also help in this process. Stereotyping is the perception of others based our own interests, values, and cultures that distort and block what we see and hear. Formal training ,through the use of descriptive examples, can be effective in helping individuals identify the root causes of their stereotyping. In order to be able to change, people must first understand what it is that distorts their perspectives. Communication problems exist within all racial and cultural groups. Even among white males of the same age and background, there are opportunities for misunderstandings and confusion. The potential for errors and inefficiencies increases when the communications are between people with very different backgrounds, attitudes, expectations, etc., and the situation is potentially dis- Astros when one or more parties is not fluent in another 's language. Language training (in whatever language is used in the
Different social, professional and cultural contexts may affect relationships and the way people communicate due to of a lack of understanding or knowledge of one another’s background and culture. This could be through their race, religion, ethnicity or where they come from. Each one of these can have similar or very different ways to communicate. For example
2.1 It is self-evident that communication and interpersonal skills are crucial in the workplace. Good two-way communication is important to enable the flow of information in an effective way whether it be verbal or non-verbal. Good communication has a positive impact on the performance of the team including; everyone is clear what is expected from them, they receive good feedback and recognition of achievements which makes staff feel valued and boosts employee morale. The manager needs to be approachable and have a non-threatening manner so
If the sender’s accent is not easily understood by the receiver then a written message may be more effective.
One way to face this wave of diversity is to learn to accept and value it (http://www.online.wbc.org/Docs/starting/diversity.html). What is diversity? Why does it matter? Once this is
The ability to communicate is one of the key factors to have a successful business. You could offer an excellent product or service, but if you’re unable to promote your services and communicate effectively with clients and co-workers the potential for growth is limited. The principle areas of communication are: Purpose, Style and listening.
The workplace is an environment where more and more Americans are spending significant portions of their time. In fact, 25 million workers reported spending at least 49 hours a week at work, (Schabner, 2013). This means that having effective communication in the workplace is becoming increasingly important. Not just to improve business practices, but to improve the quality of both employer AND employee satisfaction. Effective interpersonal communication is the most important aspect in determining the success of workplace practices. Effective interpersonal communication includes practices such as honesty, clarity, and mutual respect.
TO: Alison Allen, Human Resources Director; Cary Hasler, Marketing/Advertising Director; Joseph Earl, Customer Service Director; Elizabeth Hope-Earl, Client Account Director
Diversity is what makes people different, not just culturally but in human differences. Having a multitude of differences in the workforce gives an organization the ability to use many ideas to reach a common goal. A person could say that a diverse group of people together in one room can accomplish greater achievements than a room filled with the same types of individuals. Managers understand the concept of diversity, and how important diversity is to the success of a company’s ability to implement programs that continue to develop a harmonious and diverse workplace. The recognition that diversity is a reality in the workforce has generated an enormous amount of activity over the years among leaders in business, government, and civil
Old Navy is a corporation that exhibits all of the characteristics of a business in an industry where good tactical management is the key to long-term success and survival. There can be little doubt that the backbone of every successful business or company is its staff of employees. Employees are the vital parts of the business machine that can aid in its success or contribute to its failure. It is, for this reason that it is imperative to possess the ability to acquire and maintain effective employees. The chief method by which a business or company can accomplish this task is through employee-centered motivational programs. While being an assistant manager at Old Navy I was able to look into how the business motivated its employees,
Nor can effective use of power be reduced to wise control of our personal powers, though that may be a good start. Social power, including our own, is concentrated, channelled, and distributed by the culture and structure of our families, communities, organizations, countries, etc. Personal power is limited or extended by such cultures and structures.
Listening is a vital element of communication and it is very much different from hearing sense of human. A meaningful communication requires both a good listener and a speaker. However, the effect of a listening style may vary depending on the occasions and situations a listener is in. Sometimes, speaker exhibit ineffective style such as defensiveness, ambushing, pseudo-listening, stage hogging and selective listening in their communication tracks.
During spring and summer of 201 I underwent a six month internship in the information services department of a major company in my country Botswana. The company , Botswana power corporation is the sole producer and distributor of electricity in Botswana. As a company with branches all over the country it is easy to understand why communication would be crucial to the day to day operations of this company as a whole. For the sake of clarity however I’m going to limit the focus of this paper to the Information servives departmentin which I worked.
“What, what did you say?” I often find myself saying this when talking with children. The likely culprit of why is poor listening habits. “Most people spend mere time listening than they spend on any other communication activity, yet a large percentage of people never learn to listen well.” (TLSC, 2008) The above example is what I like to call “pseudo listening.” People will be thinking about something else but appear to be listening and only get about half the intended message. Recently at my father’s (Ron) company because of a pseudo listening instance a $400,000 dollar piece of equipment did not get specked correctly. When it was delivered to the customer at Company B the blast doors did not fit properly on the dryer unit. As one
Communication is an important skill for people to have in an organisation. Through the interpersonal communication (communication between two or more people) process, people can exchange information, create motivation, express feelings or apply penalties for inappropriate behavior, all within the workplace (Robbins, et al, 2009). According to Eunson (2008) people who lack communication skills in the organisation should be trained to deal with different situation that involve communicating effectively (p. 554). In response to Eunson (2008), this essay aims to prove why interpersonal communication is an important skill to have and how organisation can train employees and managers to use these skills within the workplace. Additionally, the
In this case-study for Electra Products’, I will be addressing relevant, organisational behaviour and communication issues that must be addressed in order to “revive the failing company” (Samson, 2012). Specific recommendations will be offered to further assist in focusing on the key outlined issues and what actions would be most appropriate to take from this point. Throughout the report, it is clear the attitudes of staff are becoming unfavourable and has resulted in a lack of job satisfaction, thus becoming a crucial behavioural issue within the company, restricting its progression and the success of the empowerment campaign implemented by the company’s new CEO. Selective perception and emotions of the staff are creating communication issues that are barriers and are “going to be an obstacle to the empowerment efforts” (Samson, 2012). Limitation’s that restricted the recommendations for this case study were lack of information on each of the departments and individuals involved. There was also no clear mission statement or goals stated to help the employees and departments understand where the team leader desired the company to be repositioned. Communication involves a transfer of meaning and understanding, staff need to have a solid understanding of the company’s mission statement and the individual goals of each department. If they can understand and adjust to work with one another’s goals, it will create greater, more positive diversity in the ideas